Is It Easy to Learn the Mandolin Later in Life?
Learning to play the mandolin later in life can be both challenging and rewarding but it’s certainly achievable, even if you’ve never played another instrument. Read on to discover the advantages, challenges, and tips to help you start playing the mandolin with ease.
Advantages of Learning the Mandolin Later in Life
Motivation: Adults often have clearer goals and motivations for learning, which can drive practice and progress. Patience and Discipline: With more patience and discipline, you can have more focused practice sessions. Learning Resources: A wealth of resources is available, including online tutorials, books, and local classes, making it easier to find guidance.Challenges of Learning the Mandolin Later in Life
Physical Coordination: Developing finger dexterity and coordination can take time, especially if you're new to musical instruments. Musical Theory: Understanding basic musical concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm may be a learning curve, but it's manageable with study. Time Commitment: Regular practice is essential, and fitting it into a busy schedule can be challenging.Tips for Success
Start Simple: Begin with basic chords and simple songs to build confidence. Consistent Practice: Set aside regular time to practice, even if it's just 15-30 minutes a day.The Mandolin: A Versatile Instrument
The mandolin is a fantastic instrument that is far more versatile than many people, including musicians, are aware. I can play rock, pop, folk, country, and much more with my mandolin. I can use it to play lead lines and solos, or I can use it to play chords, even accompanying myself singing.
Is the Mandolin Easy to Play?
Many people find the mandolin to be easier than a guitar and maybe surprisingly easier than a ukulele. This is mainly due to the fact that it’s tuned like a violin, so the musical separation between strings is completely regular.
Advantages of Mandolin: The mandolin’s thin double strings under great tension can make it easier to play in many ways. Sore Fingertips: At the beginning, you may experience sore fingertips, but it only takes a couple of weeks to toughen up. String Tension: High string tension means the mandolin is under more stress and must be more sturdy and more expensive for years of fun.Buying Tips: Do not buy the very cheapest instrument in the shop. Ensure the instrument has a fully adjustable truss rod. Invest at least ￡200 (UK) or an equivalent amount in other countries. Do not buy an instrument mail order; it won’t be properly set up. Buy from a small, reliable music shop where you can tell them you’re a beginner and ask them to set up the instrument with a lower action to suit your fingers.
Chord Charts:
Feel free to ignore published chord charts, especially the barre chords for A and B chords, which many beginners find difficult. There are simpler fingerings for A and Am chords, and for B chords, there are simpler fingerings which use only three strings!
Remember, there is no law requiring you to play every string for every chord. This flexibility gives you a lot of options when learning the mandolin.